AJ Community

May 6, 2009

Just like grandmother used to make

By Don McGlynn dmcglynn@theabingtonjournal.com
Reporter / Photographer

For more than 100 years, the Kostiw family from Carbondale has been making all of their meals just a little bit better by adding their family’s secret spice, which they have named Babunya’s Gourmet spice. In June 2008, they decided to let their secret out by bottling the spice and selling it in grocery stores and over the Internet.

Last year, Janina, Thomas and Marlen Kostiw started to bottle the spice and bring their family recipe to the masses. It’s always hard getting a new business off the ground, but the Kostiws explained it’s a little easier when you have a product everyone wants.

“We figured the one thing that people always need is something that goes with food,” said Thomas. “It’s an allspice, that’s good on any type of meat, and people are really amazed at how something so simple can really add flavor to their food. And with the grilling season right around the corner, it’s something you want to have.”

“We really push it for meats, but it’s actually good on anything: fish, salads … I have one friend who used it on popcorn,” said Marlen.

Thomas explained the name of the spice, Babunya, means “grandmother” in Ukrainian and is in honor of his mother and Marlen’s mother-in-law, Janina, creator of the spice.

The recipe had been in Janina’s family for four generations. She was born in Europe, before moving to Brazil as a young girl, and then finally came to America. During the years, Janina added to it and toyed with the recipe, coming up with what Kostiws have today.

“I grew up with it, my mom used it on everything, even my sandwiches,” said Thomas. “(Sometimes) I would wind up selling half of my sandwich to the kids in my class, because they wanted it and the seasoning is what made the difference.”

“He had that business background since he was very young,” said Marlen. “He always wanted it to be bottled. Every time we entertained a lot of people, they would ask to take some home and then they would come back for more. And we started thinking maybe we should do more.”

Not even in business a year, Babunya’s Gourmet spice is becoming internationally known, with orders coming in from Washington, Texas, Canada and Brazil. Betty Crocker’s Web site has written an article about the spice, and the company was given a chance to give a bottle of its product to Martha Stewart.

These accolades are nothing new. Because of her skills in the kitchen, Janina has had the opportunity to use the spice while preparing dishes for people of all walks of life. While working for antique dealer John Sargent in Manhattan, she once used the spice on turkey that was served to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.

“She came into the kitchen to thank me and say that everything was very good,” said Janina.

In addition to the original recipe, the trio also carries five other spices: cinnamon black pepper, garlic, onion and parsley. All of the products are all-natural, with no MSG, artificial flavoring, preservatives or any other fillers or additives.

The spice is for sale on www.babunyas.com and at several area supermarkets, including Everything Natural and Gerrity’s Supermarket in Clarks Summit. The three thanked Everything Natural owners Michelle Cooper, Donna and Barry Kaplan for being the first store to stock the spice, and Gerrity’s supermarket supervisor Ron Godowski for helping get the spice carried at the Clarks Summit Gerrity’s location.

For more information, call 877-270-1245 or 570-972-3640.

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